Electronics

Get an upconverting JVC DVD player for $30

If you're still watching movies on your junky old DVD player and wondering why they look so rotten on your big, fancy HDTV, here's the answer: Old DVD players don't produce enough pixels to take advantage of that high-resolution screen. Does that mean you have to junk your movie library and step up to Blu-ray? Not necessarily.

Instead, consider a stop-gap solution like the JVC XV-N650B, an upconverting DVD you can grab for just 30 bucks. Without getting overly technical about it, upconverting means the player scales the low-resolution DVD video so it looks better on HDTVs. … Read more

Take the Blu-ray plunge with $198* Magnavox player

Walmart is currently offering a $100 gift card on Blu-ray players (including the Sony PlayStation 3). That means if you buy the Magnavox NB500MG9 for $298, you're effectively getting it for $198.

The catch is that it's an online-only gift card, meaning you can't use it for, say, groceries. However, you could probably eBay it for cash.

The player itself delivers 1080p output, upconverts regular DVDs, and supports Profile 1.1. It includes both HDMI and component-video outputs as well as a coaxial digital audio output. Curiously, it doesn't appear anywhere on Magnavox's Web … Read more

Recharge your gadgets on the run with Black & Decker power pack, $10 shipped

These always sell out fast, so I'll cut right to the chase: Buy.com has the Black & Decker Pocket Power on sale for $10 shipped -- no rebates required.

This portable, rechargeable battery pack promises up to four hours of extra power for your mobile electronics: cell phones, iPods, digital cameras, etc. Just plug in your regular USB or AC charger and you've got juice. (On the plus side, that means no "tips" to manage, as with other portable chargers. However, it also means you have to bring along your power/USB cables.)

For 10 … Read more

Get an HDMI cable for 10 bucks shipped

Need to connect a cable box, Blu-ray player, Xbox 360 Elite, PlayStation 3, or other device to your HDTV? Don't let your local big-box sales weenie talk you into spending $60, $80, or even $100 on an HDMI cable. Instead, head to eBay, Meritline, Newegg, or the like and scoop up a no-brand equivalent for as little as 10 bucks.

HDMI cables, which carry digital audio and video signals, are insanely overpriced. That's the consensus of Ars Technica, CNET, The Consumerist, and yours truly. There's ample scientific and anecdotal evidence that dirt-cheap generics perform just as well … Read more

Get a refurbished Xbox 360 Premium system for $219.99

Cash-strapped game junkies can score a refurbished Xbox 360 Premium console for just $219.99, plus a very reasonable 10 bucks for shipping. That's a pretty solid deal considering that it sells for $350 new.

The Premium version of the mega-popular game system includes a wireless controller, a 20GB hard drive, and a headset. Reseller Blue Bay Electronics doesn't specify the warranty period, but based on other Xbox refurbs I've seen, it's probably 60 days (you should definitely check with the company before ordering).

In addition to playing kick-ass games, the Xbox 360 supports movie and … Read more

Turn your PC into an HDTV with Hauppauge USB tuner, $40.79 (after rebate)

The Hauppauge WinTV-HVR-950, a "hybrid" TV tuner (meaning it can tune in over-the-air digital broadcasts or standard cable), normally sells for $79. Dell's Home store has it for just $40.79 plus five bucks shipping. That's after a $20 mail-in rebate, but I reckon Dell's good for it.

Hauppauge tuners are widely regarded as some of the best in the business. The HVR-950 comes with DVR software but also works with Windows Media Center. (Also included: Elgato EyeTV Lite, meaning you can use the tuner with a Mac!) You'll have to supply the antenna … Read more

Reduce outside noise with sound-isolating MP3 earphones, $6.99

Many moons ago I wrote about Etymotic's fancy noise-isolating earphones, which were a pretty good deal at $69.99. Still too rich for your blood? Here's your chance to try something similar for one-tenth the price. HandHeldItems has the iSolate Hi-Fi Earphones on sale for $6.99 (plus a very reasonable $2.85 for shipping). You also get a free Fishbone cord-wrap gizmo.

Because the tips nestle into your ear canal, the iSolate earphones block out a fair bit of ambient noise--meaning you don't have to crank the volume as much when riding a bus, plane, train, … Read more

Give your iPod a 7-inch widescreen for $49.99

Remember the Memorex iFlip from a couple months ago? It's an iPod dock that plays videos on its 7-inch widescreen LCD. It was $59.99 then, but OnSale.com has the iFlip on sale for $49.99. Plus, you can get back the cost of shipping (around $15) via a mail-in rebate.

The iFlip can dock, charge, and play most iPod models, though the 3G nano isn't listed among those that are compatible. You can watch videos and photos on the big screen or just listen to music through the built-in stereo speakers. The iFlip has dual headphone … Read more

Control your home theater with Logitech Harmony universal remote, $39.99 (after rebate)

Update: I'm not entirely sure what happened with this, but the price is now $69.99 after rebate. I tried contacting TigerDirect to see why the original price disappeared so quickly, but did not get a reply. All prices that I post are accurate at the time I post them, but unfortunately sales sometimes end without warning, inventories sell out, and so on. My apologies for the confusion over this deal!

Tired of juggling remotes? Replace them all with the Logitech Harmony 550, which sold for $150 when it debuted a couple years ago, lists for $129.99 now, … Read more

Turn your iPod into a bookshelf stereo for $29.99 (after rebate)

Sound familiar? CompUSA.com has the Logitech iPod AudioStation on sale for $29.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate. (Plan on about $14 for shipping.) The last time I posted about this product, it was $50 after rebate!

The AudioStation is an iPod speaker dock that also has an AM/FM tuner. It features a wireless remote, an audio input jack (for connecting non-iPod players), and composite and S-Video outputs (for watching iPod videos on a TV). It also charges your iPod, of course, and cranks out 80 watts' worth of audio goodness. CNET's very favorable AudioStation review awarded … Read more